Camp Kroc Day Camp 2015 Summer Camp Guide Page 1 of 12
Day Camp Parent Guide Table of Contents Introduction 3 ACA Accreditation 3 Kroc Center Mission Statement 3 Camp Goals 4 Contact Information 4 Camp Hours 5 Drop off and pick up 5 Registration and Enrollment 6 Day Camp Counselors 7 Day Camp Visitors 7 Communication 7 What to expect at camp 8 What to Bring 8 What not to bring 9 Behavior Expectations 10 Pool 11 Medical Protocol 11 Medications 11 Illness/Injury 12 Inclusion 12 Page 2 of 12
Introduction Welcome to The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Day Camp, where we are dedicated to providing a safe environment where your child(ren) are challenged to grow in their social skills, self-esteem and develop positive values. The Kroc Center is a safe environment for your child to stay active through the summer, build new friendships and continue to discover who they are. We offer arts and crafts, outdoor activities, swimming, games, songs, and facilitate character development. Please read over this entire guide, as it lays out the policies and procedures in place that help foster this environment and create a positive experience for everyone. This guide is meant as a resource for parents to utilize throughout the camp session(s). However, please do not hesitate to contact the Day Camp Director if you have any questions or concerns. We would love to have your child join us for a fun filled summer here at the Kroc Center of Augusta. ACA Accreditation The Salvation Army Day Camp Augusta An ACA Accredited Camp We are extremely proud that the Kroc Center Day Camp became an ACA accredited Camp in 2012. This means that your child is spending their summer in a safe and fun environment, supervised by well-qualified counselors. We have undergone a thorough review of operations, staffing, programming and safety. The ACA is the recognized leader in organized camps. For more information about the ACA and what accreditation means to parents and the community, please visit www.acacamps.org. Kroc Center Mission Statement The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Page 3 of 12
Camp Goals Goal 1. To provide opportunities for campers to become more independent while building self-esteem and confidence in their abilities. a. Each camper will participate in activities in which they will be encouraged to attempt new challenges. b. Staff will focus on positive reinforcement in a non-competitive environment where counselors always pick the teams and activities are intrinsically rewarding. c. Each camper will receive acknowledgement for progress in those activities in which they have made the most progress. Goal 2. To encourage each child to learn how to thrive in a group environment and a large community. a. Each camper will be assigned to a group of children of a similar age but with diverse backgrounds. Within these groups, campers will participate in team building activities to encourage teamwork and collaboration. b. Campers will fulfill certain rotating group responsibilities such as line leaders, lunch cleanup and team leaders. c. Campers will travel together in a group to scheduled daily activities. Goal 3. To encourage each child to challenge themselves by attempting new things and gaining new skills. a. Each camper will be scheduled to participate in a diverse set of age-appropriate activities not typically found in a school setting, including team building, swimming, crafts, physical education, and social skills. b. Staff will encourage each camper to participate in every planned activity for at least 15 minutes and will creatively motivate and instruct the group through fun and rewarding games. c. Campers will be encouraged to value activities because they are intrinsically rewarding and important for their physical, mental and social development Contact Information: The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center 1833 Broad Street, Augusta GA 30904 Phone: 706.364.5762 / Fax: 706.922.8367 Children and Youth Manager/Day Camp Director Jade Ross Office Phone: 706.922.1533 Email: jade.ross@uss.salvationarmy.org Children and Youth Program Lead/ Day Camp Asst. Director - Anna Sickman Office Phone: 706.922.1529 Email: anna.sickman@uss.salvationarmy.org Camp Desk: 706.922.8363 Page 4 of 12
Camp Hours Regular Camp Monday-Friday 9:00AM 3:00PM Camp sessions will last one week, Monday-Friday (with the exception on holiday weeks). However we do offer daily rates as well. (These hours are for Camp Kroc Summer Day Camp and may be different for any specialty camps) Extended Care During camp, we offer extended care for an additional fee of $5.00 a day which includes both morning and afternoon extended care. You may drop campers off as early as 7:00am & pick up as late as 6:00pm. Late Pick-Up A late fee of $1.00 per minute per child is applied if you pick-up your camper after 6:00pm (3:00pm if your campers is not enrolled in extended car). Please allow yourself plenty of time in anticipation of traffic or volume of parents at the Day Camp Pick-Up. If your child is not enrolled in extended care and you know you will be late, please call the camp office and authorize Day Camp staff to place him or her in Extended Care. You will be asked to pay for Extended Care upon arrival. Any camper not enrolled in Extended Care, and not picked up by 3:00pm will be taken to the camp office and parents will be called. The parent may choose to enroll the camper in extended Care for the remainder of the week and will be asked to pay the balance upon arrival. Every attempt will be made to contact parents. If we have not heard from the parent(s) by 7:00pm, Child Protective Services will be notified. Drop off & Pick-Up Procedures We encourage you to be respectful of the camp hours and that children are dropped off and picked up during the designated start and end times at the camp/security desk in the main lobby. Campers are actively engaged with varying activities throughout the facility all day. To pull them from said activities is distracting and disruptive for both the campers and the counselors. If you need to pick up your camper early, the camp office must be notified that morning. Campers can only be signed in and out by an authorized adult with a valid ID in the presence of a designated Camp Kroc staff member. Only the parents who enrolled the camper(s) may change the list of individuals authorized to pick up a camper. This should be done in person at the camp desk and valid ID is required. Page 5 of 12
Registration & Enrollment Information Enrollment forms must be completed in order to be accepted by the Kroc Center staff and for the child to be allowed in camp. Fill in every space on both sides of the form, marking n/a in those spaces that do not apply to your child. Please note that incomplete forms will not be processed. Age Policy Children must be the age indicated in the camp descriptions by September 1 st, 2014 (have completed at least one year of school) in order to enroll in the camp. No Exceptions. Campers with special needs will be enrolled in age-appropriate camps. See page 11 for more information on inclusion. Membership Discount To receive the Summer Camp membership rate, membership must be a current membership for the camper at the time the session takes place. Membership must have already been established for the camper by January 2015. Membership information is available at the welcome desk. Cancellations/Refunds Monetary refunds will not be given unless a camp session is canceled by Kroc Center staff. Cancellations 7 or more days prior to the start of a camp will be refunded to a Kroc Center gift card. Cancellations 6 days or less prior to the start of a camp will not be refunded. No prorated rates will be given for partial attendance to include: illness and behavioral issues. Refunds placed on Kroc Center gift cards are not redeemable for cash. Transfers Please complete the change of enrollment form for all day camp session transfers. Transfer requests are not guaranteed and must be made one week prior to each camp. All transfers must stay within the same camp (i.e. No Camp Kroc transfers to the Hot on the Trail of Art camp) Waiver A current season waiver must be on file prior to a camper s first day of camp. Campers will not be allowed to participate in camp activities without having this document on file. As camper and contact information may change, parents are required to complete in full a new waiver form for each day camp season (i.e.: Winter Camp, Fall Camp, Summer Camps, and Spring Break Camp.) Deposits A $30.00 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit can be made in advance to hold a spot for the week of camp you choose. This deposit goes towards the cost of camp but the full amount is due 10 days prior to the first day of the week you registered for. Failure to do so will void the spot being held for your child by said deposit. Page 6 of 12
Day Camp Counselors We feel confident that we have the best staff around! Our staff is as diverse as our campers. The majority of our staff is recruited from colleges and universities with varying backgrounds of skills. Most importantly, our staff is made up of people who love kids. They want to spend their time playing, teaching and working with children. All Kroc Center Day Camp staff members are certified in basic First Aid, CPR, AED and Safe from Harm and receive extensive training prior to the start of camp. You can be sure that we are hiring the best of the best to work with your children. Ratios To maximize the learning experience and to keep a safe environment, The Kroc Center Day Camp ensures sufficient staff-to-camper ratios as recommended by the American Camp Association and will not exceed a 1:10 ratio. A minimum of two staff members must always be present, regardless of the number of campers. This will be adhered to during extended care and all camp activities) Day Camp Visitors Sending your child to camp can be stressful. We welcome parents to check out Day Camp in action. Please inform the Camp Desk of your visit at check-in. When coming for a visit be prepared to show valid identification to ensure that all visitors are listed as authorized adults for pick-up/visiting. You will be asked to sign in and out upon arrival and departure and escorted by staff to your child s location. We do ask that you observe from a distance, as to maintain safety procedures in activity areas. Communication Contacting your camper We understand that important situations arise. If you should ever need to reach your child while he/she is in camp, please call the Kroc Center or Camp Desk. A Camp Kroc staff member will be able to reach your child s counselor and either relay the message or bring the camper to the nearest phone. Cell Phones We are strong advocates for social development and your child getting the most out of their camp experience. The use of a cell phone during camp prohibits both. Please do not send your camper with a cell phone to camp. We understand that while you may want to check in on your camper we ask that you please contact the Kroc Center to do so. Page 7 of 12
What to Expect at Camp Kroc Morning Devotions The Salvation Army Kroc Center is a Christian organization. We hold daily devotions every camp morning from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM. In this devotion campers will examine biblical lessons that promote integrity and character development (See The Salvation Army Kroc Center mission statement on page 2) Lunch Lunch is provided for each camper by the camp. The menu for the week can be found in the newsletter located at the camp desk every Monday. If your camper is a picky eater, has severe allergies or has very limiting dietary restrictions we encourage you to pack a lunch from home; however choosing not to use this benefit will not reduce the price of camp. Lunch options are provided at check in so please be sure to indicate the preference when signing in your child. If your child has not checked in by 10:00am, we ask that you either call with their lunch preference by 10:00am or provide your child with a lunch for the day (as the kitchen is already preparing). Wednesdays in the theatre With the heat of summer and the excitement of activities what better way to wind down for a day and relax than in a full size theatre. Campers will watch a movie in our Theatre/Chapel here at The Kroc Center. These movies are selected based on the appropriateness for the campers (G or PG). What to Bring to Camp Kroc What to Wear We encourage you to send your campers ready to play! Campers need to wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing with socks and closed toe rubber sole shoes. We do not recommend wearing skirts or dresses. What to Bring Campers should bring a backpack or bag to carry all of their items. Be sure that all of the items brought with your child are labeled including the bag. In this bag, we suggest packing: A sweater/sweatshirt When in the theatre/chapel it can get a little chilly. Water bottle Staying hydrated during their daily activities is important for each camper s safety. Be sure to write their name on their bottle. Snacks Campers always have snack time after they swim. Snack is not provided by the camp and is especially important for campers enrolled in extended care. Please do not send candy or sugary drinks as snack. We do not encourage campers to bring Page 8 of 12
money to camp but if you send money for the vending machine during snack please do not send more than $5.00 labeled in an envelope to use during the designated time. Camp Kroc staff will not be held responsible for snack money sent with camper. Sunscreen We recommend SPF 35 or higher. We highly suggest campers come to camp already with sunscreen applied. On account of child safety standards, counselors are not allowed to apply sunscreen onto campers but can supervise and give instruction to campers while applying sunscreen. Swimsuit, goggles & towel Campers go swimming four times a week (every day but Wednesday). Be sure to pack a swimsuit, sandals, a towel & and most campers prefer to have goggles as the pool is chlorine. What Not to Bring to Camp Some items are not welcome at Camp Kroc for the safety of the children as well as to encourage interactions amongst campers. These items are: Cellphones (see communications for more information) Electronics: Tablets, ipods, electronic games, video cameras, etc. Expensive jewelry or other belongings. Backpacks with wheels Shoes with wheels in the soles ( heelies ). Personal toys such as cards/trading games, motorized cars, boats, dolls, stuffed animals, etc. Pets. Drugs or alcohol of any type. Weapons: guns, knives, num chucks or any other weapon (real or pretend). This policy is for the campers safety, as well as to encourage group interactions. Additionally, the Kroc Center is not responsible for camper possessions that are lost or stolen. Please do not have your camper bring valuables! Lost and found items are kept for two weeks after a session and then donated to the local Salvation Army Thrift Store. Page 9 of 12
Food Donations/ treats In order to maintain compliance with food safety regulations and in consideration of campers with special dietary restrictions, the Kroc Center Day Camp cannot accept donations of food unless prepared commercially. We do want to celebrate campers successes and experience at camp and appreciate parents desire to provide treats or goodies for the campers. Please check with a camp coordinator prior to bringing in special treats for the child s group. Behavior Expectations The Kroc Center Day Camp program strives to offer every child the opportunity to participate in recreational activities that are both fun and educational, allowing him or her to learn new skills, foster relationships, and build self-confidence. Our counselors work to create a positive environment that is free from discrimination or other factors that may prohibit campers from having an enjoyable experience at camp. Every child deserves to have a positive experience at camp, free from peer pressure, excessive negativity, and any other behavior that negatively affects his/her self-esteem and/or ability to fully participate in camp activities. We take bullying of any kind very seriously. Day Camp counselors are trained in utilizing positive discipline techniques to create a positive camp environment that welcomes growth and learning. During the beginning of each camp session, counselors and campers will work together to create a Peace Contract and outline the consequences for misbehavior. The best way to deal with problems is through a proactive approach-informing the campers of what is expected of her or him and creating an environment that fosters openness, respect and fun. Children thrive creatively within a structured system; by giving the campers boundaries and expectations, the counselors give them the freedom to play and learn through their experiences. Camper Peace Contract Counselors review the rules at the beginning of each camp week. At the most fundamental level, campers are expected to keep hands and feet to themselves, listen to all instructions and stay with the group at all times. Campers are encouraged to identify other expectations they would like to set for themselves. We expect campers at the Kroc Center to respect their selves, respect other campers, respect their counselors and respect their environment. Behavior management Policy Preventing negative behavior from occurring is the best way to avoid consequences for misbehavior. Regardless of how positively a camp group begins their journey, various factors may contribute to a camper breaking the rules established by the Peace Contract, resulting in the need to disciplinary action. Should disciplinary action become necessary, our Day Camp staff will utilize verbal warnings, time out sessions and sometimes parents will be asked to pick-up their camper. If a camper s behavior warrants disciplinary actions, the parent is provided with a report at sign-out explaining the situation and what Page 10 of 12
action was taken. If a camper receives 2 reports in a week for a repeated offense, the camper and parent/guardian will need to speak with the Director/Asst. Director. If a third report happens within the same week for said repeated offense, the camper will be asked to leave the Camp for the safety and well-being of the staff and campers. Questions about the incident may be directed to the Day Camp Coordinators or Day Camp Director. Pool All campers change in our single private cabanas for swimming. All campers will be required to take a swim test to show their skill level before entering the pool. Children that cannot swim well are required to remain in the shallow recreation pool. Due to safety concerns, the only flotation devices permitted are swim floaties (worn all the way up on the arm), a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket and floatation swimsuits. The following items MAY NOT be brought into the pool: swimming training devices, water guns, kick boards, neck rings, toys and inflatable tubes/beds. In order to provide the best care possible, please indicate your child s swimming abilities in the provided area on the campers form. Medical Protocol If your camper has any special medical needs please include this information on the Camp Registration Form. This includes all medical or behavioral diagnoses that may affect your child s experience at camp. Even if your child does not take medication for the condition, knowledge of the condition helps our counselors to provide the best care possible for your child. A coordinator will contract you to find out more detailed information about the campers needs, medications and any side effects they may have during their experience at camp. Medications If your child needs medication administered during the camp day, a Medical Information form must be completed and the medication(s) dropped off in their original prescription container with your child s name printed on the label and placed in a plastic bag. All medications are stored in locked containers. The Kroc Center Day Camp does not provide over-the-counter medications for campers. Staff is not authorized to dispense over-the-counter medications to children unless they are accompanied by a written note from the camper s doctor, the Medication information sheet and submitted in a plastic bag with campers name clearly marked. Administration of Medications A Coordinator will administer all medications according to the medication information sheet on file for the camper. Page 11 of 12
Centrally Stored Medications Some parents may have multiple containers of a child s medication. If you would like to keep a medication onsite overnight for the duration of the camp, please speak with a coordinator to fill in the appropriate information on our centrally stored medications log. Otherwise, all medications must be dropped off and picked up daily. Permission to Carry Parents may authorize campers to carry and administer his/her medications needed for lifethreatening conditions such as epi-pens for anaphylactic reactions and Asthma inhalers. Prior approval is needed for medications to be carried by campers. Parents must fill and sign a Camper Medical Information Form to authorize that the camper has been instructed in the proper administration and all other pertinent information regarding this medication and has authorized him/her to self-administer as directed. Illness/Injuries at Camp Camp is not designed to handle ill children. If your camper becomes ill while at camp, our staff will contact you to pick him/her up. Staff will treat minor injuries requiring application of a bandage or ice. If further medical attention is required or if we are unsure of the severity of the injury, parents will be notified immediately. The Emergency Medical System (911) will be activated at the discretion of the Camp Coordinators and/or the Day Camp Director. If we are unable to reach the parents and a child needs immediate medical attention, he/she will be transported to the hospital by an ambulance and we will continue attempts to reach adults listed on the camp waiver form. All expenses for an emergency medical care are the responsibility of the parents/guardian. Inclusion Program The Kroc Center Day Camp works to include all children in our programs. Parents of children with special needs should contact the Day Camp Director at least two weeks prior to the desired session s start date to determine whether the Kroc Center can provide appropriate accommodations for your child. Do not let anyone look down on your because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1Timothy 4:12 Page 12 of 12